Airline extras not always worth the cost
Choosing a seat on an airplane isn't just about legroom anymore. New "selection" fees and extra charges to sit in certain spots in the aircraft have complicated the process.
For some people, it's worth the cost, but not all so-called "premium" seats deliver extra value. Here's a look at where to sit for a quieter ride, the most space and which seats are worth the higher price.
THE BASICS You'll probably experience a quieter ride and less turbulence in the front, where the plane is more stable. And for those who fear the worst, statistics show you have a better chance of surviving a plane crash in the front. But if you sit in the first row, you won't always have room to stretch your legs because of the wall dividing the cabin.
The next-best seats are in the emergency exit rows, although the trip is noisier. Note that on planes with two emergency exit rows back-to-back, such as the popular Boeing 737,, the first row of seats won't fully recline.
Book early, and always choose your seat right away because the best ones go fast.
With discount airlines that charge a fee to select a seat (any seat), you'll have to know the rules. For AirTran, you can book a seat within 24 hours of your flight for free at the airport or online. For Spirit, you'll have to wait for an agent to assign you a seat at the airport.
PREMIUM SEATS A "premium" coach seat, generally in the front of the plane may holds the promise of some peace and quiet and more legroom, but while some airlines will give you more legroom and others tie in priority boarding with "premium" seats, some are just charging extra for little or no extra benefit. So when does premium pay?
US AIRWAYS Save your money, says Matt Daimler, founder of SeatGuru.com, a website that helps travelers pick the best airline seats. The "choice seats" cost $5 to $15 extra and don't provide more legroom.
AMERICAN AIRLINES Its new "Express Seats" program costs $19-$39 to board early and sit in the first few rows of coach that include bulkhead seats, but it's possible to get a seat close to the front without paying extra. The premium seats can only be reserved at the airport, an inconvenience for travelers who check in online.
SOUTHWEST Because the airline doesn't have assigned seats, it might make sense to fork over $10 priority boarding fee to get on the plane first.
UNITED AND JETBLUE Both airlines provide incentive to pay extra, offering enough extra legroom to make it worth your while.
